Production of Medical Device Using MIM Technique

Abstract

Metal Injection moulding (MIM) is an advanced near net shape forming process. This paper presents the attempt to manufacture medical devices particularly fracture fixation plates for orthopedic applications for commercial purposes by MIM process. The stainless steel powder with the median particle size of 15 μm and a binder consisting of polyethylene, paraffin wax and stearic acid were mixed at 160° C using a sigma‐blade mixer for one hour to prepare the feedstock of the fracture fixation plates. The fracture fixation plate component was injection molded using vertical injection moulding machine with the nozzle temperature of 200° C. Prior to sintering, the specimens were debound using a combination of solvent extraction and thermal pyrolysis method. The specimens were then sintered under vacuum. The properties of the fracture fixation plates such as physical and mechanical properties were presented and discussed. The in‐vitro biocompatibility study on the fracture plates produced was examined.